The Nord Center unveils new FIRST Lorain County program at ribbon cutting

The Nord Center CEO and COO, Amy Dengar, cuts the ribbon unveiling the new FIRST Lorain County program. The program is aimed at getting treatment early for people starting to experience the effects of disorders on the schizophrenia spectrum.
Keith Reynolds — The Morning Journal

There is a new program to help those in Lorain County who suffer from schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

The Nord Center, in partnership with the Lorain County Board of Mental Health and the Best Practices in Schizophrenia Treatment Center at Northeast Ohio Medical University, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 18 to launch the FIRST Lorain County program.

The FIRST program focuses on early identification and treatment of disorders on the schizophrenia spectrum that manifests in those ages 15-40 who have not received treatment for more than 18 months.

Amy Dengar, CEO and COO of The Nord Center, said during her remarks at the ceremony that when treating schizophrenia spectrum disorders, timing has an effect on the likelihood of recovery.

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“Research suggests that the earlier psychosis is identified and treated, the better the likelihood of a faster, more complete recovery,” she said. “Our goal for the FIRST Lorain County program is to help individuals with psychosis lead fulfilling, independent lives by intervening with the right treatments at the right time.”

Dr. Blanche Dortch, community services director for the Lorain County Board of Mental Health, also spoke at the event. She described the problem of sufferers of these disorders not coming forward for treatment in a timely manner.

“Many individuals with psychosis wait months – sometimes even years – before seeking and beginning treatment,” she said. “There are many reasons why this is so: sometimes they are unaware of their illness, or they think it will go away on its own, or they don’t know that help is available.”

The program uses counseling, psychiatric care, supported employment/education, family psycho-education and case management to help individuals suffering from these disorders to live fuller, more enriching lives.

Anyone between the ages of 15 and 40 who is experiencing symptoms and/or who has been taking antipsychotic medication for less than 18 months is encouraged to contact FIRST Lorain County team leader Kathryn Maimone at 440-223-7232.